SummaryA modern gothic tale of crime and redemption. When a young, unidentified woman is found dead by the lake - the victim of a brutal and violent crime - Walter, an aging small town police officer, is called to the scene of the town's first murder investigation in decades. Haunted by his past, and hampered by the mistrust of the community and a state... Read More
Directed By:Ed Gass-Donnelly
Written By:Ed Gass-Donnelly
Small Town Murder Songs
Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
66
80% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
10% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
10% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Jul 7, 2011
80
Stylistic debts abound: the Coen brothers, Roger Deakins, the bleak, gothic landscapes of Terrence Malick's "Badlands" and Richard Brooks's "In Cold Blood." Through it all, though, is the original and memorable spectacle of violence expressed and repressed by the desperate hero.
Jun 30, 2011
70
Compellingly acted from top to bottom. As the raw passions of its hard-bitten characters seep into you, the songs hammer them even more deeply into your consciousness. The film's only flaw - a big one - is its brevity.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
63% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
25% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
13% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Dec 4, 2012
8
Beautifully written and directed by Ed Gass-Donnelly about a man Walter (Peter Stormare), who seeks redemption for his life of sin. There isn't anything complicated about the plot, there aren't any wild twists, and it raps itself up rather quickly at under a hour and a half. The cinematography is straightforward and graceful, consistant with the unassuming storyline. The musical score is exceptional, which dramatically enhances this film from a "it was ok" ,to a movie that truly captivates and resonates. Peter Stormare is terrific as Walter.
Aug 31, 2012
8
Superbly well- acted by everyone on screen and beautifully scored by Bruce Peninsula in a truly remarkable soundtrack that adds so much to the film. For all the fine, fine performances here, Amy Rutherford in a brief role as a grieving mother deserves special mention. In all, while the film is short and might be charged with under-serving its story, there is nary a misstep here. I am looking forward to more, much more, from this director.
Jun 28, 2011
70
There's still much to admire about this carefully drawn but concise character sketch, especially the strong performances and a unique, affectingly ominous score by folk-rock-gospel outfit Bruce Peninsula.
Jun 28, 2011
70
A lawman seeking redemption can't seem to escape sin in Ed Gass-Donnelly's haunting, rural drama.
Jun 28, 2011
60
The combination of provincial accents and Stormare's patented creepiness make "Fargo" comparisons inevitable, though Canadian filmmaker Ed Gass-Donnelly's tongue isn't anywhere near his cheek.
Jun 30, 2011
25
So intent on being "art" that it's seemingly indifferent to providing simple niceties such as compelling performance, plot, and an atmosphere that isn't predictably oppressive.
Jul 16, 2011
8
Enjoyable. Hard though to understand the accent sometimes. Excellent filmography. Best i have seen in a long time. It captures the small Mennonite town so well. Film is a mystery but in that Cohen brothers way. Weird and wonderful where nothing happens above the surface but where you feel the vibration of the tremors below.
Production Company:
- 3 Legged Dog Films
- Resolute Films and Entertainment
Release Date:Jul 1, 2011
Duration:1 h 15 m
Rating:R
Awards
Vancouver Film Critics Circle
• 1 Win & 4 Nominations
Torino Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Phoenix Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
